Frankfurt chief stunned by violence

23 July 2015 10:31

Eintracht Frankfurt's chief executive Heribert Bruchhagen said he was stunned by the violence that marred his side's friendly win against Leeds in Austria.

Police arrested 17 Frankfurt fans and 25 people in total following violent scenes before and after Eintracht's 2-1 win, in which three Leeds supporters and two police officers were injured.

"I never see the pleasure in violence. I am stunned," Bruchhagen told German newspaper Die Welt. "I don't know what it has to do with football.

"I regret that this has happened. It's not in the tradition of Eintracht. It was obvious that on both sides there were people who wanted confrontation."

Rival fans clashed on the pitch at the final whistle and were separated by riot police, who later used pepper spray to control a group of Frankfurt fans following more trouble in Eugendorf town centre.

Before the game about 50 Frankfurt fans stormed the stadium entrance, injuring two security staff, while fighting on the pitch after the game spilled over into the square in front of the stadium.

A Leeds fans was arrested for throwing a bench at police.

Bruchhagen said he was not sure what action his club would take at this stage.

He added: "What should we do? I don't know right now.

"First we have to wait for the police report and look at who has been named. Then we will see if we have a legal recourse.

"The fighting was not instigated on our property."

Leeds are expected to comment in due course having consulted with the police on Wednesday.